Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 563 reviewsTarget Test Prep

GMAT VS. GPA

Launched April 26, 2006
Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Subscribe topic
Previous Topic Next Topic
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 347
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:42 pm
Thanked: 1 times
by Stockmoose16 » Wed Aug 06, 2008 1:49 pm
Hi,

I'm looking to get into a TOP 5 B-School. I graduated at the top of my class from Syracuse University with a dual degree in Finance and Television, Radio, Film (Cum gpa: 3.97). I am a terrible standardized test taker, and my practice GMATs have landed me scores around 560. Can I still get into a TOP 5 school?
Top
Join the discussion
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:53 am
Dear Stockmoose16,

MBA admissions is different from undergraduate admissions, so decisions are not made on GMAT and GPA alone. However, top 5 programs have the luxury of large applicant pools with fabulous candidates so they do use some minimal criteria as a way to filter the applicant pool. While your GPA is great, your GMAT does need to be within a schools mid-80% range to be competitive. For these schools, that bottom of that range is probably in the mid-600s (i.e., 630-660).

I would suggest continuing your GMAT preparation and researching some programs that are between 15 and 40 in most rankings. You will find many of these schools will provide you the curriculum and resources you want, but are a little more forgiving of a low GMAT if the rest of your application is strong.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Join the discussion
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 347
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:42 pm
Thanked: 1 times

by Stockmoose16 » Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:42 pm
Lisa Anderson wrote:Dear Stockmoose16,

MBA admissions is different from undergraduate admissions, so decisions are not made on GMAT and GPA alone. However, top 5 programs have the luxury of large applicant pools with fabulous candidates so they do use some minimal criteria as a way to filter the applicant pool. While your GPA is great, your GMAT does need to be within a schools mid-80% range to be competitive. For these schools, that bottom of that range is probably in the mid-600s (i.e., 630-660).

I would suggest continuing your GMAT preparation and researching some programs that are between 15 and 40 in most rankings. You will find many of these schools will provide you the curriculum and resources you want, but are a little more forgiving of a low GMAT if the rest of your application is strong.

Good luck,
Lisa
Thanks for the information, Lisa. Wouldn't Top 5 schools take into account that I was valedictorian of a major university? While the GMAT might level the playing field, beating out 5000 other students is no easy feat. I would think schools could overlook at mid-500s GMAT if I've already proven I can be successful.
Top
Join the discussion

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Fri Aug 08, 2008 3:54 pm
Dear Stockmoose16,

While being valedictorian is an accomplishment and demonstrates your success in the classroom, it does not make up for a GMAT score significantly below the average. I'm not saying it is impossible to get into a top MBA program with a 560, but the chances are quite slim. Top 5 programs get many applicants who were at the top of their university classes and have GMAT scores in the 700s. I would strongly encourage you to aim for a GMAT around 680 to be competitive on the GMAT/GPA measures.

Regards,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Join the discussion